Not one, but two hat tricks were the main events of the day Sunday in the ECHL [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/]. Here are three standouts from the day’s action. SPENCER KERSTEN: ORLANDO SOLAR BEARS In a 4-0 shutout of the South Carolina Stingrays [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/latest-news/stingrays-forward-wins-weekly-honor], Kersten accounted for all four of the Orlando Solar Bears [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/latest-news/solar-bears-gillies-earns-weekly-honor]’ goals in front of 4,066 fans at North Charleston Coliseum. After a scoreless first period, Orlando opened the scoring just over five minutes into the middle frame. Kersten deflected home a centering pass to put the Solar Bears ahead, 1-0. Late in the period, Kersten converted on a breakout with 3:11 left to push Orlando ahead, 2-0. Solar Bears netminder Colby Muise saved all 22 shots from the Stingrays in the first two periods and kept the two-goal lead intact for Orlando heading to the final 20 minutes. Early in the third period, South Carolina had a goal disallowed that would have cut the deficit in half. After the goal was waved off, Kersten blasted home his third goal of the game with 10:55 left in regulation. Kersten then scored his fourth goal of the day on the shorthand 85 seconds later to finish the 4-0 win for the Solar Bears. DANNY DZHANIYEV: UTAH GRIZZLIES A six-goal third period was the difference in a 7-4 victory by the Utah Grizzlies [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/latest-news/amid-high-expectations-new-grizzlies-head-coach-committed-to-creating-fun-learning-environment]in Tulsa against the Oilers [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/latest-news/oilers-add-size-veteran-presence-to-roster]Sunday at the BOK Center. Danny Dzhaniyev notched a hat trick and helped the Grizzlies overcome a 3-1 deficit. The first 20 minutes saw no scoring. After the Grizzlies grabbed a 1-0 lead in the middle frame, Tulsa scored three unanswered tallies for a 3-1 lead going into the second intermission. That’s when Dzhaniyev and the Grizzlies went to work. Utah scored three goals in the span of 1:57 early in the third period to take a 4-3 lead. Dzhaniyev scored a power play goal 2:01 in. 57 seconds later Reed Lebster scored his team leading 14th of the campaign. Exactly one minute later, Dzhaniyev scored his second goal of the afternoon. Tulsa’s Dylan Fitze notched a power-play goal 6:40 in to tie the contest. With the Grizzlies on top 6-4, Dzhaniyev completed the natural hat trick with an empty net goal 18:41 in. Dzhaniyev became the ninth player in the Grizzlies ECHL era to have 2 or more hat tricks in a single season. He is now tied for the league lead for points among rookies with 25 (9 goals, 16 assists). JUSTIN JANICKE: KANSAS CITY MAVERICKS Justin Janicke of the Kansas City Mavericks does a post-game interview following a win over the Allen Americans Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. Courtesy of the Kansas City Mavericks Janicke lit the lamp twice in KC’s [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/latest-news/kansas-city-mavericks-winger-named-echl-player-of-the-week]6-2 home win against the Allen Americans [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/latest-news/echl-friday-five-an-all-american-natural-hatty-expansion-team-blanks-nailers]. The Mavericks set the tone early and kept full control, outshooting Allen 41-27 for the game. Dallas area native David Cotton opened the scoring for KC late in the first period and the Mavericks built a 3-0 lead before the Americans cut the deficit to 3-2 after 40 minutes. Lucas Sowder and Justin Janicke each found the back of the net in the second period, with both goals assisted by Nolan Sullivan, who finished with a three-point night and earned Third Star honors. Jack Randl, Janicke, and Zach Uens added three more in the third to seal the 6-2 victory. Goaltender Jack LaFontaine turned in a strong performance, earning First Star of the game, while Janicke collected the game’s Second Star.
